Participating in God’s Mission

A Brief Guide

  1. How much should our church give to American Baptist mission work?

  2. Our church has never helped support the mission and ministry of American Baptists. What should we do?

  3. Our church has two budgets—a “local expense” budget and a “mission” budget. Do we need to change?

  4. Our church is small. How can we participate in the larger mission of American Baptists?

  5. We are not sure we understand “United Mission.” Is it really used for missions?

  6. Why United Mission?

  7. What is the purpose of the Great Rivers Region? What is the vision?

  8. What Mission/Ministry does United Mission giving make possible in the GRR?

  9. I have more questions, how do I get some answers?

 

1. How much should our church give to American Baptist mission work?

That is not an easy question. First of all, “mission work” is not an option and is not restricted to a small area or concern. Jesus commanded us to make disciples in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. It was not a multiple-choice test.


“ Mission” doesn’t happen only in Thailand. It also happens in children’s homes, schools/colleges/seminaries, camps, and regional conferences. So, make sure your vision is large, in keeping with God’s vision. Second, every church circumstance is different. It is not possible to make a hard and fast rule to be applied without exception. Finally, American Baptists do not work on an “assessment” or “tax” system. Each church must make a Spirit-led decision as to how it will participate in God’s plan of redemption and reconciliation for the entire universe.


Having said that, every church is invited to commit at least 10% of its general fund or operating budget (not including building funds) to the support of the larger American Baptist mission and ministry. In this way, a church not only teaches tithing (the tenth), it also practices it. Another 10% should be committed to local ministry and mission. Local mission (some might say “outreach”) is directed toward those who are not members of the church. While the exact nature of those local ministries and mission will vary, the church that has lost its outward focus has lost harmony with God’s intent.

 

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2. Our church has never helped support the mission and ministry of American Baptists. What should we do?

A good beginning place (and a simple one) is to participate in United Mission on a monthly basis, and the four special offerings (World Mission Offering, America for Christ Offering, One Great Hour of Sharing, and Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering).

Please contact John Grisham (217-726-7366) to discuss possibilities with you so we may help you respond to the Spirit’s leading.

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3. Our church has two budgets—a “local expense” budget and a “mission” budget. Do we need to change?

The two-budget system is an historic strategy in many congregations that works very well where there is continuous education that invites members to support both the general fund and the mission fund. There is no need for it to change simply because the Common Budget Covenant has changed. However, it is our observation that one of the consequences of membership mobility is that many persons in your church will not be familiar with the two-budget system. They may not realize that simply giving to the church automatically excludes missions. Ask John Grisham (217-726-7366) to help your church design a mission education strategy.

 

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4. Our church is small. How can we participate in the larger mission of American Baptists?

This is the genius of “cooperative missions.” Individual churches may not have the resources to send missionaries, build schools, and sponsor training conferences on their own. However, several of these churches, working together, pooling their resources, are able to participate in American Baptist mission and ministry all around the globe. This way, regardless of the size of gift, a church can confidently say: “We believe in the Great Commission, and participate as God prospers us.”

You should contact John Grisham (217-726-7366) for two reasons. First, so he can teach about missions and explain different ways you can participate. Second, so he can help your church develop an appropriate stewardship education and stewardship promotion strategy that will obey God by building disciples and empowering mission and ministry from home to the ends of the earth. American Baptists are fond of saying: “The local church is the fundamental unit of mission.” But the local church is also the fundamental unit of stewardship.

 

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5. We are not sure we understand “United Mission.” Is it really used for missions?

United Mission was devised as a simple way for churches to have a part in American Baptist mission and ministry activities through their Region, National Ministries, International Ministries, the Office of General Secretary and the work of the General Board of ABC/USA.


65% of every UM dollar stays in the region of origin. In the case of the Great Rivers Region, UM accounts for about 73% of our entire operating budget. Because of UM, the Great Rivers Region is able to have staff ministers who consult with churches and pastors, operate three camping facilities, conduct conferences (like the Mission Conference), sponsor special training events (with leaders like Kennon Callahan), offer scholarships for the continuing education of ministerial leaders, and partner with Baptists in Costa Rica (just to name a few things). The Region sends on 35% of UM (more than a tithe!) to the support of National Ministries, International Ministries, the Office of General Secretary and the General Board of ABC/USA.


The General Board of ABC/USA determines how the 35% will be allocated among the various mission opportunities of the denomination. The work of National Ministries includes the New Life 2010 emphasis, the Neighborhood Action Program, evangelism, and discipleship resources (just to name a few). The work of International Ministries includes missionaries appointed around the world, and partnership grants with indigenous Baptist groups. The work of the General Secretary and the General Board includes the “ governing” body of American Baptists, the production of informational resources, and relationships with other church bodies around the world.


John Grisham (217-726-7366) would be happy to visit your church and talk about United
Mission.

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6. Why United Mission?

United Mission Logo
United Mission is one concrete way your
church can respond to the Great Commission
(Matthew 28:19-20).

United Mission is the only contribution that
reaches across the entire network of
American Baptist mission and ministry.

Giving to United Mission is a testimony of stewardship by your church.

Giving to United Mission is the number one
way to support our own regional ministries and staff. (65% of United Mission dollars stay in the Region)

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7. The American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region

Our purpose is to challenge, empower, assist and represent YOU
as we labor together in God’s mission.

Our vision is healthy congregations engaged in effective mission
locally and globally.

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8. Examples of Regional Ministry Made Possible by United Mission:

 

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9. I have more questions, how do I get some answers?

Any of your regional staff would be pleased to visit with church leaders and discuss strategies for developing resources for your local mission and ministry and opportunities to participate in the larger mission and ministry of American Baptists. Telephone us at 217-726-7366, or e-mail John (John@abcgrr.org) or Dwight (Dwight@abcgrr.org).